The Best Rappelling Gear Guide for Climbers

Rappelling is a critical part of your climbing repertoire. It’s at a stage in the climb where, hopefully, you’ve conquered the mountain. You’re exhausted, elated, and you feel like the hard part of the day is behind you. In short, you’re letting your guard down, which is why so many mistakes, sometimes fatal ones, happen during the rappel. And so, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best, most idiot-proof rappelling gear. This is by no means a complete list of everything you need to go rappel off of a cliff, but its got all of the basic, field-tested hardware you should have in your kit. Read on and enjoy the best rappelling gear guide!

This descender is a compact and effective piece of rappelling gear for professionals. It is easy to use and easy to thread. The operation is simple and includes a handle that returns to the belay position as soon as the operator releases it. As stated above, this descender is for the more experienced rappeller, but it has an easy learning curve.

The nForce Ascender is considered by some to be the coolest looking ascender in the rappelling gear market. It works well and has an easy to thread cam which makes clipping the device on easy and quick. It has a four-bar linkage for better holding power and has a 360-degree clip-in point. However, the device is heavy and has a rougher climbing motion which could be smoother. This rappelling gear is also heavier than many other ascenders which may impact usage. When it comes to the best rappelling gear for sale online, few products are better than this one.

The figure eight belay device is standard in rappelling gear and this model is a good one. It has a smooth operation and is bigger for larger ropes. The device is sturdy and strong. The only issue with it is that the paint tends to rub off with extended use, but this is a minor issue and one most people don’t mind. This figure eight has rescue ears which allow for you to tie yourself off one-handed which is important in many situations. Overall an excellent model with good features.

This is an excellent daisy chain with a very good rating. In fact, it is the only daisy chain that passed the CE/UIAA certification with a rated weight capacity of up to 4950 pound-force. This daisy chain has sturdy reinforcements on the high usage points. It is a bit bulky for some, but this isn’t a downside unless you are really used to a lighter daisy chain in your rappelling gear. The Metolius chain is excellent for aided climbs, too. The main detractor is that this piece of gear is a little more expensive than other chains.

Slings are used a lot in climbing and having a good sling is important. Many slings are made of Nylon, but this particular sling is made from Dyneema which is fifteen times stronger than steel when compared by weight. This material gives this sling a significant strength advantage over Nylon or other plastic. However, it is expensive and will cost you more. It also doesn’t give like Nylon which might be good or bad depending on what you are doing with it. In general, a good quality sling, but more expensive than others.

An excellent replacement for nylon-based bomber ties. The inner material is Technora which was used by NASA and gives this tie a strength that lets it hold up to 4800 pounds. The outer core is Nylon so you don’t run into the tying problems that straight Technora would give you. However, as with many things which use Technora or Dyneema these ties are a bit more expensive, but worth it due to their strength and resilience. An excellent addition to your rappelling gear and other climbing equipment.

This climbing harness is excellent with many features which you will find useful. It comes in two sizes and both sizes weigh about 4 pounds. It has numerous connection points and is designed to be comfortable when the load is in different directions. It is adjustable to a wide variety of body sizes. In addition, the harness is very comfortable to wear and can be used as part of your rappelling gear or as a harness for tower and line workers. The best part of this harness is the quick way it goes on or comes off. A very good harness.

A nice swing harness which works well for climbing and rappelling. It is very comfortable and provides good ventilation with open foam that lets the air flow. It has a good wide waist belt which is quickly removable while still providing excellent support. It even comes with a couple of loops built in for your stuff which is an important feature for rappelling gear. Altogether a good harness for your equipment.

This is a simple vest targeted more towards hunters and tree climbers. It’s lightweight and has a built in scent blocker. It comes with a built-in strap designed to safely attach to a tree or other object. However, it lacks support or attachment points for rappelling. This is an acceptable harness for simple needs, but isn’t really useful as rappelling gear.

Pacific Tactical makes good carabiners. They carry the load very effectively and are designed to make sure the load goes where it needs to go. Some carabiners can push the weights toward the wrong part of the ‘biner, but these won’t. The quick opening latch is good, too. The three pack is a good deal and an affordable way to build up your collection of climbing and rappelling gear.

These gloves are good for climbing. Especially if you’re looking to do some ice climbing or climbing in colder environments. They are warm and the Gore-Tex lining keeps your hands from getting wet. However, the inner lining can sometimes get stuck in your hands are damp and get pulled partially out of the glove. The outer lining is capable of withstanding climbing and rappelling activities. An all-around good glove to add to your rappelling gear and which will serve you well in demanding environments.

Mammut 10.2mm Gravity Superdry Standard Climbing Rope – $90.55

A good rope, but with a reputation for fraying and picking up dirt. It comes with a dry coating which prevents it from getting wet and is easy to knot and untie when necessary. The weight is average. The thickness is somewhere between the older thick ropes and the newer thin ropes. This gives it a nice balance for beginning and experienced climbers. The rope has a nice give but will hold up well in your rappelling gear.

Headlamps aren’t really necessary for rappelling unless you are doing rescue or caving. However, If you are looking for a headlamp to add to your rappelling gear this would be a good choice. It has a high light output and a good battery life. The strap is adjustable and will stay in place during your climbing.

A very nice helmet for climbing. It fits well and is lightweight. Although the helmet is black the vents help keep you cool during your climbing. The helmet is impact resistant and can be used on top of other headgear such as a hat. It even has room for goggles if you adjust it correctly. If you are looking for a helmet to add to your rappelling gear this is a good choice.

If you want a little bit of extra security while you are rappelling or climbing this arrester would be a good addition. It is a little heavy, but will stop you in an uncontrolled fall should you lose your grip. It works on the slanted rope, too. However, it is a bit heavy for an arrester, but if you feel the need for one in your rappelling gear you can’t go wrong with this one.

Descenders are a part of standard rappelling gear for many climbers who don’t want to use a figure eight. This particular descender is designed especially for rescue work. The handle controls the descent and even has a feature which kicks in if the person rappelling panics. It you are new at rappelling and want to be secure this will be what you want. This brand is good and this descender has a lot of features which you will like.